- Road distance
- about 2,060 to Seattle miles
- Usual corridor
- I-90 almost the whole way
- Driving alone
- at least 5 days for a loaded truck
- Chicago loading
- Parking, elevator and building rules settled before the truck arrives
What it costs to move from Chicago to Washington
| Home | Typical weight | Linehaul planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Few items | about 1,200 lb | $1,100 to $1,750 |
| Studio | about 2,000 lb | $1,400 to $2,250 |
| 1 bedroom | about 3,000 lb | $2,150 to $3,400 |
| 2 bedroom | about 5,500 lb | $3,900 to $6,250 |
| 3 bedroom | about 8,500 lb | $6,050 to $9,650 |
| 4 bedroom | about 12,000 lb | $8,550 to $13,650 |
Distance makes weight more expensive here, so this is a route where sorting pays off. Consider selling heavy, inexpensive items before your survey rather than shipping them.
The I-90 corridor
I-90 crosses Montana and northern Idaho before reaching Snoqualmie Pass east of Seattle. Winter weather can close or restrict the passes, sometimes with little warning. If you're moving between November and March, leave flexible days around delivery and don't book your internet installation for the exact day the truck is due.
Delivering in Seattle
Seattle has steep hills, narrow residential streets and little spare curb space. Many deliveries need temporary no-parking arrangements with the city, and some need a smaller shuttle truck. Check the access at your new address early, especially in hillside neighborhoods and older parts of the city.
Eastside suburbs such as Bellevue and Redmond tend to be easier, though apartment towers still need elevator reservations.
Protecting your things from the damp
Western Washington's long wet season is hard on boxes that sit in a garage. Unpack quickly and keep paper goods off concrete floors.
Washington has no tax on wage income, and it gives new residents 30 days to get a state driver's license. Read moving to Washington for the rest.